On Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, Pennridge seniors Maddie Dachowski and Jen Rodzewich were recognized for committing to continue their lacrosse careers at the collegiate level. To view photos of the event, please visit the Photo Gallery.
Maddie Dachowski – La Salle University (Lacrosse)
Major: Business
Final list of colleges: La Salle, St. Joseph’s, Monmouth
Reasons for choosing La Salle: “I was looking at St. Joe’s because my sister was there, and I’ve always been there and it always felt a little bit like home because I was there watching her play. At Monmouth, I really liked the coaching staff, but I just didn’t see that school being where I would want to end up.
“La Salle came into the picture later in the game. It wasn’t really one of my main focuses my sophomore year, but junior year I was approached by the coach, and I started talking to her and it became more and more real. Out of the blue one day, she gave me an offer, and it was a really big relief because the recruiting process is very long and stressful, especially for athletes. We’ve been going through this since our freshman year, and it’s a lot to put on someone to pick a college so young. I’m really lucky that I was able to pick a school I really like, and (the recruiting process) is over.”
What was the progression that led you to playing lacrosse at the collegiate level? “I knew I wanted to play lacrosse in college when I quit soccer in seventh grade. My sister being older – I’d seen her go through this before, so I had a guideline to follow. I just loved lacrosse so much more. During high school, this was always what I wanted to do. I played on a club team, and that was the goal – you were playing to go play in college. I really wanted my last four years of playing lacrosse to be at the most intense level possible, and that’s why I wanted to play D-1, and that’s why I wanted to play lacrosse.”
Coach Karen Schnurr says: “Maddie is our vocal leader. She’s the girl that gets the team pumped up. Watching her grow from a sophomore to a senior, she showed how much she truly loves the sport and has shown it on and off the field. She leads the team with her positivity and her enthusiastic spirit and has just really developed into a strong leader on attack.
“Maddie has a shot that’s unstoppable. She can shoot from all different angles and is able to get around any goalie, but she’s also that leader on attack.
About Maddie:
Favorite food: Caesar Salad
Favorite movie: Harry Potter
Favorite music: Alternative or Pop
Jen Rodzewich – Temple University (Lacrosse)
Major: Recreational Therapy
Final list of colleges: Temple, UConn, Monmouth
Reasons for choosing Temple: “I really like Temple because it had all the opportunities the city can provide. I go down to Temple every weekend to go to football games, to go to lacrosse games or just to go down to the city because it’s a 45-minute train ride, and the options are always there. I like the size because Monmouth is kind of a small school versus the big-city feel at Temple.”
What was the progression that led you to playing lacrosse at the collegiate level? “My freshman year my club team coach told me I would have the opportunity to probably play Division II, so then I got more into the recruiting process, and as I got more contact from Division One coaches, I figured, ‘Hey, maybe I’m good enough to be D-1.’ I started following that path more and more. It took me to where I am today.”
Coach Karen Schnurr says: “As a player, she’s all over the field. She is strong on defense, she can hold a 1v1, and she’s the leader in caused turnovers. She’s left handed, which makes it hard for players, but that being said, her right hand is as strong as her left hand.”
“The thing that stands out about Jen is her perseverance. She is extremely dedicated. She’s the person that all year round is working on her stick skills. She’s not loud or flashy about her playing, but she’s a leader by what she’s doing. I’ve watched her develop over the past three years into a leader. She was a very quiet sophomore when I met her, and now I look at her, and she’s a leader that’s taking charge, taking initiative. She just is extremely dedicated to the sport. On Sundays, she’s working on her shots and her defense. She’s what every coach wants in a player – dedicated all around.”
About Jen:
Favorite food: Wawa Buffalo Chicken Cheese Steak
Favorite movie: Step Brothers
Favorite music: Alternative
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